Biomass Plant Technicians
Machines can already do 28% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 67%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Biomass Plant Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 28% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 3% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 67% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 29,320 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $102,040 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Auxiliary Operator, Central Heating Plant Operator, Fuel Handler, Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions | 14% | 30% to 75% | |
| Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants | 13% | 3% to 30% | |
| Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems | 8% | 30% to 75% | |
| Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems | 8% | 30% to 75% | |
| Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges | 8% | 70% to 95% | |
| Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations | 6% | 30% to 75% | |
| Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power | 6% | 30% to 75% | |
| Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills biomass plant technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders64% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,460
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic63% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,140
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders60% of tasks by 2035 · US median $43,220
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic57% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,720
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Biomass Plant Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of biomass plant technicians?
Machines can do 28% of the tasks of biomass plant technicians today and 67% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-8013.03 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Biomass Plant Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/biomass-plant-technicians/